Driving head for stirrer cans

ABSTRACT

A driving head for a stirrer can is provided. The stirrer can includes a cover with a rotatable plate having upwardly projecting fingers and further includes a stirrer inside the stirrer can. The driving head is mounted beneath a hollow shelf, includes a driven shaft and a blade fixedly connected to the driven shaft. The blade engages the fingers for driving the stirrer inside the stirrer can. A swan-neck shaped body having an upper portion, connected to the shelf, and a lower portion is provided. The lower portion of the body comprises a grip for engaging the rotatable plate of the stirrer can. The driven shaft projects through the upper portion of the body. A device for preventing rotation of the stirrer can is provided.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to those cabinets for stirrer cans of the type asused for the storing of cans that contain paints etc. to be maintainedunder stirring.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The cabinets that are currently used comprise a plurality of shelvesarranged one above the other, and having a bottom portion that isprovided with driving heads of the small blade type, which driving headscooperate with fingers arranged on the cover of each can and used fordriving a shaft passing through this cover and supporting a stirringscrew or the like.

In order to prevent rotation of the cans on the shelves, fixed ormovable protruding pins are provided, which are used for securelyretaining the base of the can. These protruding pins are often harmfuland can cause damage to the cans, particularly when the same are made ofsynthetic material.

The protruding pins or other means for locking the cans have also theimportant drawback that they make difficult the cleaning of the shelvesto which they are fixedly connected. Moreover, in case of leakage of thecan, the apertures provided in the shelves for making or positioning theprotruding pins allow flow of paint from one shelf to another shelf.

The invention relates to a new driving head for stirrer cans which allowthe use of smooth shelves without any particular member to be providedon these shelves.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, the driving head for stirrer cans eachcomprising a small blade driven by a first shaft and cooperating withfingers for driving a second shaft of a stirrer located in a can, ischaracterized in that the fingers protrude from a plate engaged in agrip that is a part of a body having a general shape like a swan-neckwhich is arranged beneath a shelf, this body having an upper portionthat is penetrated by the first shaft that carries and drives the smallblade as well as means that prevent rotation of each stirrer can.

A driving head for a stirrer can, the stirrer can comprising a coverwith a rotatable plate having upwardly projecting fingers and furthercomprising a stirrer inside the stirrer can, the driving head mountedbeneath a hollow shelf, according to the present invention is primarilycharacterized by:

-   -   a driven shaft;    -   a blade fixedly connected to the driven shaft;    -   the blade engaging the fingers for driving the stirrer inside        the stirrer can;    -   a swan-neck shaped body having an upper portion connected to the        shelf and a lower portion;    -   the lower portion of the body comprising a grip for engaging the        rotatable plate of the stirrer can;    -   the driven shaft projecting through the upper portion of the        body; and    -   means for preventing rotation of the stirrer can.

The driving head may further comprise anti-friction means positionedbetween the grip and the rotatable plate.

The body preferably comprises a protecting hub of a substantiallycircular shape positioned closely above the blade.

The driving head may also comprise a drive pulley connected to thedriven shaft, the drive pulley positioned within the hollow shelf,wherein the hub comprises a sleeve and a bearing member mounted in thesleeve and wherein the driven shaft is guided in the bearing member.

The driving head may also include a spindle connected to an end of theshaft below the hub, the blade pivotably connected to the spindle, theblade having a bottom portion with a concave cutout to prevent wedgingthe fingers of the operator.

Preferably, the means for preventing rotation of the stirrer can is apivotable stirrup connected to the body, the stirrup engaging a portionof the cover of the stirrer can for limiting rotation of the stirrer canafter placement on a shelf below the hollow shelf to which the body isconnected.

The body preferably comprises a bearing member and the stirrup isconnected to the bearing member, the stirrup comprising a yoke withstuds for connecting the stirrup to the bearing member.

The grip advantageously has means for supporting the cover and thestirrer can.

The means for supporting are lugs connected to the bottom side of thegrip and projecting inwardly.

The cover has preferably a bottom portion and the hollow shelf has agrip support for engaging the bottom portion of the cover.

The present invention also relates to a stirrer can for cooperation witha driving head mounted beneath a shelf. The stirrer can according to thepresent invention comprises:

-   -   a can container;    -   a cover for closing the can container;    -   a rotatable plate mounted on the cover;    -   the rotatable plate having upwardly projecting fingers;    -   a stirrer connected to the rotatable plate and positioned inside        the can container;    -   the fingers engaged by the driving head when the stirrer can is        positioned on a shelf beneath the hollow shelf on which the        stirrer head is mounted.

The can may further comprise a spring with a first and a second end, thestirrer comprising a shaft and a stirring screw at an end of the shaftremote from the cover, the spring coaxially placed on the shaft andsupported with the first end at a bottom side of the cover and with thesecond end at the stirring screw.

The invention also relates to a cabinet for stirrer cans. The cabinetaccording to the present invention is primarily characterized by:

-   -   a plurality of hollow shelves spaced one atop the other;    -   each hollow shelf having a smooth surface;    -   each hollow shelf having connected thereto a plurality of        driving heads;    -   each one of the driving heads comprised of:        -   a) a driven shaft and a blade fixedly connected to the            driven shaft, the blade engaging a stirrer of a stirrer can            for driving the stirrer inside the stirrer can;        -   b) a swan-neck shaped body having an upper portion connected            to the hollow shelf and a lower portion;        -   c) the lower portion of the body comprising a grip for            engaging the rotatable plate of the stirrer can;        -   d) the driven shaft projecting through the upper portion of            the body;        -   e) a drive pulley connected to the drive shaft and            positioned inside the hollow shelf;        -   f) a drive means for driving at least one of the drive            pulleys; and        -   e) means for preventing rotation of the stirrer can.

At least one of the hollow shelves has a bottom portion with two levels,such that the driving heads connected to the bottom portion are atdifferent levels.

The shelves comprise raising members for raising the stirrer cans to adesired level.

Various other features of the invention will moreover be revealed fromthe following detailed disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are shown, as non limitative examples, inthe accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cabinet that comprises driving headsfor stirrer cans, according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a very enlarged partial cross-section taken substantiallyalong line II—II of the FIG. 1, showing certain portions of the stirringhead in elevation;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the driving head, according tothe invention;

FIGS. 4-7 are elevations, partly in cross-section, diagrammaticallyshowing how to position a stirrer can;

FIG. 8 is a very enlarged cross-section taken along line VIII—VIII ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a cross-section similar to FIG. 8 but showing a stirrer canengaged with the driving head;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic partial cross-section showing a development ofa cabinet that applies the invention;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a development ofthe invention;

FIG. 12 is a partial exploded perspective view illustrating thedevelopment of the invention according to FIG. 11 in an otherembodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a cabinet that includesupright members 1 and 2 with shelves 3 being arranged between theupright elements 1 and 2 and which are formed by hollow bodies as shownin FIG. 2.

Stirring heads 4 are protruding beneath the shelves 3.

Each of the stirring heads 4 is driven by a pulley 5 arranged within ashelf 3. The various pulleys corresponding to each stirring head arethemselves driven, for example, by means of a common belt 6.

The pulleys 5 are mounted on a shaft 7 carried by a bearing member 8arranged in each of the stirring heads 4 that comprises therefor asleeve 9.

As shown in particular in FIGS. 2 and 3, the stirring heads are,preferably, formed by molded parts of plastic material or metal, thebody 10 of which has the general shape of a swan-neck ending in a grip11 having the shape of an outer collar made integrally with the body 10or attached thereto. The grip 11 is a resilient part and has on anangular opening which is slightly greater than 180°. This grip 11 isadvantageously made of an antifriction material or is coated with suchan antifriction material.

The body 10 defines a bearing member 10a formed, for example, of a smallsocket made by molding, used for articulating a stirrup 12 that isadvantageously made of molded material and compromises a yoke 12a witharms that have studs or protrusions (not shown) that form an axlearticulated in the bearing member 10a.

This embodiment enables to position the stirrup 12 by snapping it intoplace, the stirrup 12 having to be able to pivot as this is shown in thefollowing description.

In the example as shown, the stirrup 12 comprises two arms 12b. Thestirrup 12 could however comprised only one arm (as would appear to theviewer in the side view of FIG. 2) or be made by another meanspreventing a rotation on the cans as this is discussed hereinafter.

The drawings, in particular FIG. 2 show that the shaft 7 has a lowerportion carrying a spindle 13 on which is articulated a small blade 14,preferably made of plastic material but which may also be made of metal,which small blade 14 is for example snapped on the spindle 13 in orderto be easily mounted and dismounted if it is necessary to change it. Inany case, the small blade 14 is mounted for being able to pivot aboutthe spindle 13. Moreover, the small blade 14 is provided with aconcavity 14a at its bottom portion so as to present a possible wedgingof the fingers of the operator as described hereinafter.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show that the body 10 of the driving head advantageouslydefines, above the small blade 14, a hub 15 which is approximatelycircular and has a diameter greater than the width of the small blade14.

This arrangement makes it impossible for an operator to get a fingercaught between a top portion of the small blade 14 and the body 10, inparticular the hub 15, which is thus a safety measure preventing anyrisk of injury. Moreover, the hub 15 is used for fixing the body 10under the shelf 3 by means of rivets or other equivalent means.

The stirring cans, such as the can 16, are comprised of a can container16′ with a cover 17 that is penetrated by a shaft 18. The cover 17 has atop portion provided with various protruding parts, and in particular apouring nose 19 as well as a working handle 20.

The shaft 18 has an upper portion provided with a circular plate 22which is fixed by means of a tightening screw 22a and has a centeringring 21. The centering ring 21 has an annular shape, and the diameter ofthe centering ring 21 corresponds substantially to the diameter definedby the grip 11. The centering ring 21 can rotate freely or is made of anantifriction material, or still is coated with an antifriction material.

The plate 22 is provided with two protruding fingers 23 and with cans orramps 24.

As shown in the drawings, in particular in FIGS. 3-9, the cans 16provided with their cover 17 are placed on one of the shelves 3, forexample the shelf 3a, and are progressively pushed as shown in FIGS. 5and 6 in order that the centering ring 21 will enter inside the grip 11.

When a can 16 is positioned, the rotation of the small blade 14, drivenby the shaft 7, causes the small blade 14 to necessarily bear by its twoends against both of the protruding fingers 23, which results in drivingthe plate 22 and, consequently, the shaft 18 of the respective can. Theconcavity 14a of the small blade 14 prevents any risk of wedging bystaying with the fingers 23. Moreover, the presence of the cams or ramps24 that are sloped in the direction of rotation of the plate 22 aids tothe raising of the small blade 14 that continuously rotates.

FIG. 5 shows that before engagement of the centering ring 21 in the grip11, the stirrup 12 is substantially maintained vertically. Advancing thecan 16 which slides on the shelf 3a causes the stirrup 12 to pivot asshown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the region between thestirring head 4 and the shelf 3a where the can is to be inserted is freeof obstructions that would restrain insertion of the can or the cover toa single orientation about its axis. As soon as the plate 22(FIG. 3) isdriven in rotation by the small blade 14 and fingers 23, the can 16,because its angular orientation is not fixed, is possibly rotated alittle bit, but in any case, one attachment 19, for example the pouringnose, will limit the possible rotation of the can, of which only theshaft 18 continues to be driven, which is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, FIG. 7showing the can in its final resting orientation.

FIG. 7 shows moreover that the invention enables to cause cans, havingvarious heights, to be driven by any one of the stirring heads 4. It isthen sufficient to position a raising member 25 on the shelf 3a.

FIG. 10 illustrates a development showing that the bottom portion of ashelf 3b may comprise two stirring heads 4 arranged at various levels,these offset stirring heads enabling to drive the stirring shafts ofcans 16a, 16b of various heights, preferably positioned one behind theother or staggered one relative to the other for facilitating access toa rear row.

FIG. 11 shows a development of the invention according to which the grip11 is insidely provided, at its lower portion, with lugs or othersupporting means 26 that protrude inwardly. The means 26 are adapted forbearing against the bottom portion of a protruding portion of the cover17 or, as shown, against the bottom portion of the centering ring 21.The cover 17 covering the can 16 is positioned in the grip 11 asdescribed above.

In this embodiment, a unit formed by the can, the cover and the drivingmechanism is thus suspended by the grip 11 without the can 16 beingsupported on a shelf 3. As previously, the can 16 is prevented fromrotating by means of the stirrup 12, and the shelves 3 can bemanufactured for having a top portion which is smooth and easilycleanable.

For preventing an axial displacement of the shaft 18 that drives thestirring screw 18a, it is advantageous to position a spring 27 engagedon the shaft 18 and bearing, on the one hand, on the bottom portion ofthe cover 17 and, on the other hand, on the stirring screw 18a. Thestrength of the spring 27 is chosen according to the weight of the can16 and the product contained therein.

FIG. 12 illustrates an other variant which shows that the bottom portionof the shelves 3 defines a bent edge 28 for grip supports 29, eachprovided to clamp a can 16 by bearing against the bottom portion of thecover 17.

It is advantageous that the grip supports 29 which are made of aresilient material will be covered with an elastomeric material or thelike so to form, on the one hand, a protection and, on the other hand,end protrusions 30 for retaining the can 16. The grip supports 29 arearcuate and have an angular opening greater than 180°.

It is moreover possible that the centering ring 21 is attached to theplate 22 and, in case, will be spaced therefrom by a ball bearing or thelike in order that there is no friction between the plate 22 and thegrip 11.

The invention is not restricted to the embodiments shown and describedin detail, since various modification thereof can be carried theretowithout departing from the scope of the invention as shown in thefollowing claims.

1. A driving head for a stirrer can, the stirrer can comprising a coverwith a rotatable plate having upwardly projecting fingers and furthercomprising a stirrer inside the stirrer can, said driving head mountedbeneath a hollow shelf and comprising: a driven shaft; a blade fixedlyconnected to said driven shaft; said blade engaging the fingers fordriving the stirrer inside the stirrer can; a swan-neck shaped bodyhaving an upper portion connected to the shelf and a lower portion; saidlower portion of said body comprising a grip for engaging the rotatableplate of the stirrer can; said driven shaft projecting through saidupper portion of said body; and means for preventing rotation of thestirrer can by engaging a portion of the cover of the stirrer can afterplacement of the stirrer can on a shelf below the hollow shelf to whichsaid body is connected.
 2. A driving head according to claim 1, furthercomprising anti-friction means positioned between said grip and therotatable plate.
 3. A driving head according to claim 1, wherein saidbody comprises a protecting hub of a substantially circular shapepositioned closely above said blade.
 4. A driving head according toclaim 3, further comprising a drive pulley connected to said drivenshaft, said drive pulley positioned within the hollow shelf, whereinsaid hub comprises a sleeve and a bearing member mounted in said sleeveand wherein said driven shaft is guided in said bearing member.
 5. Adriving head according to claim 3, further comprising a spindleconnected to an end of said shaft below said hub, said blade pivotablyconnected to said spindle, said blade having a bottom portion with aconcave cutout to prevent wedging the fingers of an operator.
 6. Adriving head according to claim 1, wherein said means for preventingrotation of the stirrer can is a pivotable stirrup connected to saidbody.
 7. A driving head according to claim 6, wherein said bodycomprises a bearing member and wherein said stirrup is connected to saidbearing member, said stirrup comprising a yoke with studs for connectingsaid stirrup to said bearing member.
 8. A driving head according toclaim 1, wherein said grip has means for supporting the cover and thestirrer can.
 9. A driving head according to claims 8, wherein said griphas a U-shape with two legs, wherein said means for supporting are lugsconnected to the bottom side of said grip at said two legs, wherein saidlugs project from said two legs inwardly into said U-shape.
 10. Adriving head according to claim 1, wherein the cover has a bottomportion and wherein the hollow shelf has a grip support for engaging thebottom portion of the cover.
 11. A stirrer can for cooperation with adriving head mounted beneath a shelf, said stirrer can comprising: a cancontainer; a cover for closing said can container; a rotatable platemounted on said cover; said rotatable plate having upwardly projectingfingers; a stirrer connected to said rotatable plate and positionedinside said can container; said fingers engaged by the driving head whensaid stirrer can is positioned on a shelf beneath the hollow shelf onwhich the stirrer head is mounted; a spring with a first and a secondend; said stirrer comprising a shaft and a stirring screw at an end ofsaid shaft remote from said cover; said spring coaxially placed on saidshaft and supported with said first end at a bottom side of said coverand with said second end at a said stirring screw.
 12. A cabinet forstirrer cans, said cabinet comprising: a plurality of hollow shelvesspaced one atop the other; each hollow shelf having a smooth surface;each hollow shelf having connected thereto a plurality of driving heads;each one of said driving heads comprised of: a) a driven shaft and ablade fixedly connected to said driven shaft, said blade engaging astirrer of a stirrer can for driving the stirrer inside the stirrer can;b) a swan-neck shaped body having an upper portion connected to saidhollow shelf and a lower portion; c) said lower portion of said bodycomprising a grip for engaging a rotatable plate of the stirrer can; d)said driven shaft projecting through said upper portion of said body; e)a drive pulley connected to said driven shaft and positioned inside saidhollow shelf; and f) means for preventing rotation of the stirrer can byengaging a portion of a cover of the stirrer can after placement of thestirrer can on a shelf below said hollow shelf to which said body isconnected; a drive means for driving at least one of said drive pulleys.13. A cabinet according to claim 12, wherein at least one of said hollowshelves has a bottom portion with two levels, such that said drivingheads connected to said bottom portion are at different levels.
 14. Acabinet according to claim 12, wherein said shelves comprise raisingmembers for raising the stirrer cans to a desired level.
 15. A systemfor stirring paint in an insertable can, comprising: a can cover with arotatable paint stirrer; a can support shelf; a stirring head positionedabove the shelf that engages the stirrer when the can is inserted on theshelf, and an interference arm extending from above the location of thecan downwardly toward the shelf that mechanically interferes with thecover as a stop against rotation in a single direction to preventrotation of the cover in the same direction of rotation of the stirrer,a region between the stirring head and the shelf for inserting a can forstirring, the region being free of obstructions that would restraininsertion of the can or the cover to a single orientation on the shelf,wherein the interference arm is pivotable with respect to the stirringhead.
 16. A system for stirring paint in an insertable can, comprising:a can cover with a rotatable paint stirrer; a can support shelf; astirring head positioned above the shelf that engages the stirrer whenthe can is inserted on the shelf, and an interference arm extending fromabove the location of the can downwardly toward the shelf thatmechanically interferes with the cover as a stop against rotation in asingle direction to prevent rotation of the cover in the same directionof rotation of the stirrer, a region between the stirring head and theshelf for inserting a can for stirring, the region being free ofobstructions that would restrain insertion of the can or the cover to asingle orientation on the shelf, wherein the can cover includes apouring spout and the interference arm engages the spout to preventrotation, wherein the paint stirrer includes a rotatable drive shaft,and further including an engaging member connected to the stirring head,the engaging member engaging an upper portion of the drive shaft, andwherein the engaging member is a collar.
 17. The system of claim 16wherein the collar is a resilient member.
 18. A system for stirringpaint in an insertable can, comprising: a can cover with a rotatablepaint stirrer; a can support shelf; a stirring head positioned above theshelf that engages the stirrer when the can is inserted on the shelf,and an interference arm extending from above the location of the candownwardly toward the shelf that mechanically interferes with the coveras a stop against rotation in a single direction to present rotation ofthe cover in the same direction of rotation of the stirrer, a regionbetween the stirring head and the shelf for inserting a can forstirring, the region being free of obstructions that would restraininsertion of the can or the cover to a single orientation on the shelf,wherein the can cover includes a pouring spout and the interference armengages the spout to prevent rotation, wherein the paint stirrerincludes a rotatable drive shaft, and further including an engagingmember connected to the stirring head, the engaging member engaging anupper portion of the drive shaft wherein the engaging member isconnected to a downwardly extending body, and wherein the interferencearm is connected to the body adjacent the engaging member.
 19. Thesystem of claim 18 wherein the upper shaft portion includes upwardlyextending fingers and the head includes a stirrer driver having a bladearticulatable with the fingers to effect rotation.
 20. The system ofclaim 19 wherein the upper shaft portion includes a plate and theengaging member engages the plate.
 21. A system for stirring paint in aplurality of removable paint cans, comprising: a plurality of removablecan covers for respective cans, each cover having a paint stirrer forthe respective can that includes a rotatable drive shaft; a can supportshelf for a row of removable cans; and a plurality of individualstirring heads, one for each can in the row, each individual stirringhead being portioned above the shelf so as to engage the stirrer in thecover when the can is inserted with its cover on the shelf, eachstirring head comprising a body carrying a rotational stirrer drivemechanism, a portion of said body being shaped to trap the cover inposition when the can is inserted on the shelf so that the drive shaftof the stirrer in the cover is drivingly aligned with the rotationaldrive mechanism in the stirring head, said body further including aninterference arm, separate from said portion of said body, that extendsdownwardly toward the shelf below said portion of said body and thatprevents rotation of the cover as the stirrer rotates by mechanicallyinterfering with the cover as a stop against rotation in a singledirection to prevent rotation of the cover in the same direction ofrotation of the stirrer and an engaging member for engaging a portion ofthe drive shaft extending above the can cover, a region between eachindividual stirring head and the shelf for inserting a respective canfor stirring, the region being free of obstructions that would restraininsertion of the respective can or its cover to a single orientation onthe shelf.
 22. The system of claim 21 wherein the stirring headcomprises a molded body.
 23. The system of claim 22 wherein the body isplastic.
 24. The system of claim 23 wherein the shaft portion includes aplate with upwardly extending fingers and the stirring head including adriver with a blade actuatable with the fingers to effect rotation, andthe engaging portion engages the plate.
 25. The system of claim 22 or 24wherein the interference arm is a single downwardly extending arm. 26.The system of claim 22 or 24 wherein the interference arm comprises twodownwardly extending arms.
 27. The system of claim 22 or 24 wherein theinterference arm is pivotable with respect to the stirring head.
 28. Thesystem of any one of claims 22 or 24 wherein the can cover includes apouring spout and the interference arm engages the spout to preventrotation.
 29. The system of claim 22 or 24 wherein the shelf is free ofpins.
 30. The system of claim 21 wherein the head is connected to ahollow shelf arranged above the can cover.